Emigration epidemic evident in Fethard

L to R: Tina Ryan, Ollie Burke, Bill Walsh, Matt Grant and Emma Smyth who are emigrating to Australia this week photographed at their farewell party at The Castle Inn on Sunday night last.

The current state of our country became a lot more obvious last weekend in Fethard when local pubs were packed with ‘Bon Voyage’ parties as seven more young people said goodbye to their friends and families to leave for a better life in Australia. For these adventurous travellers the trip will be less traumatic as they travel together to find a new life, but not so for their heartbroken families left behind.
While everyone will indeed wish them well I’m sure most parents will often ponder the ‘lottery’ of travelling so far away from home. Maybe there is a chance they will find a suitable partner and end up settling to live so far away? Or who will look after them if they have an accident or get sick? A thousand other ‘ifs and buts’ will raise their head every day.


Tina Ryan photographed with friends at her 'Bon Voyage' party last weekend L to R: Kelly Fogarty, Chloe Power, Tina Ryan and Karla Cronin.

At least in this day and age communication is readily available and very affordable via Internet and Skype and those away can keep in touch with happenings at home through community websites and FaceBook.


Matt Grant photographed with his brother and sisters at his 'Bon Voyage' party last weekend L to R: Tom Grant, Matt Grant, Lil Grant, Theresa Grant and Siobhán Grant.

Unfortunately, at home emigration leaves a void that is not easily replaced, our football and other teams are left depleted, our social outings are not the same, our businesses have less customers, our skilled workforce resource is gone and family life will never be the same.


Ollie Burke photographed with his family and friends at his 'Bon Voyage' party last weekend L to R: Dean Burke, Aoife Burke, Shannon Burke, Stephen Cooney, parents Oliver and Kathleen Burke, Ollie Burke and Jeff Hanrahan.

On the positive side, a bit like the ‘prodigal son’, we will all rejoice at their safe return, and unlike the ‘prodigal son’ they will have made their fortune instead of losing it. Bon Voyage to Tina Ryan, Ollie Burke, Matt Grant, Will Hogan, Bill Walsh, Emma Smyth and Sean Carey.


L to R: Patrick O'Shea, formerly from Main Street and Richard Hayes photographed at the 'Bon Voyage' party.


Photographed at the 'Bon Voyage' party L to R: Karla Cronin (Drangan), Katie Kearney (Drangan) and Alex Boda.


Photographed at the 'Bon Voyage' party L to R: Aoife Browne (Drangan), and Emma Horan (Drangan)


Photographed at the 'Bon Voyage' party are L to R: Salem Farag and Denise O'Meara


Members of the Ryan and Grant families at the 'Bon Voyage' party in The Castle Inn


Matt Grant 'popping' a bottle of Champagne with fellow travellers at the 'Bon Voyage' party in The Castle Inn.


John Ryan photographed with his daughter Tina who is emigrating to Australia with six of her friends from the Fethard area.

Died recently
The death has occurred (suddenly) on Friday, October 5, 2012, of Annie (Nan) Connolly (nee O'Meara), St Patricks Place, Fethard, Co Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her husband Liam. Deeply regretted by her brother Jim, her sisters Mary, Joan and Louise, her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces , nephews, relatives and large circle of friends.

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Sunday, October 7, from 5pm, with removal to the Holy Trinity Parish Church at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Monday at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.

The death has occurred, peacefully, on October 4th 2012, of Suzanne Opray (nee Mills), Caherass Nursing Home, Co. Limerick ,and formerly of Colman Cottage, Fethard, Co. Tipperary.

Deeply regretted by her son Roderic Keating and daughter Jenny Cleary, her grandchildren Sarah, Simon and Tamarah, daughter-in-law, grandsons-in-law, great grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Service at Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, Fethard on Wednesday, October 10, at 11.30am followed by cremation at The Island Crematorium in Cork. Family flowers only.

Have you any time on your hands?
Fethard community and youth club urgently need volunteers to help with the running of the centre. Whatever time you can give, will make a difference, whether it’s one hour per week or ten. It’s up to each and every one of us to make this a better community for our children, for our elderly and for us all.

We may be living in challenging times, but give a little of your time to make Fethard a better place to be, and you might find it rewarding and fun in the process.

Please come to the youth centre on Tuesday 9th October at 7pm for a meeting of volunteers or contact Deirdre Brady on (086) 6006283 or (052) 6132277 today!

We are also looking for voluntary help with a view to starting and managing a Library at the Youth Centre. If this is a project you may be interested in please let us know. This project would be run in conjunction with Tipperary Libraries.

There are lots of projects that we would like to run for the children and teenagers of Fethard and surrounding areas. We can’t do anything without the help of volunteers, so please come.

Cookery Classes at Youth Centre
Cook It! Cookery Demonstration Classes will take place in Fethard Youth Centre for five weeks starting Wednesday, October 10, from 10am to 12 noon. Cost is €25 which can also be paid €5 for each class attended. Cookery tutor is Ms Eileen Bowden and all are welcome to attend. Please call or text Margaret O'Neill on 087 6536374 for more information or to book your place.

Congratulations to Tipperary Minors

Jackie (Murphy) photographed with her son Mark who payed corner-forward with this year's All-Ireland winning Tipperary Minor Hurling Team

Congratulations to Tipperary Minors
We offer our sincere congratulations to the Tipperary Minor hurling team who put in a terrific display in accounting or Dublin in the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship Final replay last Sunday. One of the stars of Tipperary's victory has connections in Fethard. Mark McCarthy is son of Joe and Jackie McCarthy. Jackie (nee Murphy) is originally from Rathcoole, Fethard. Mark's grandfather, Johnny Murphy, lives in Kilnockin, Fethard. His grandmother was the late Doreen Murphy.

The Toomevara corner forward scored a goal and two points as Tipperary beat Dublin by 10 points in Sunday's replay and his family were in Croke Park to cheer Mark and Tipperary to victory.

Holy Trinity National School Parents’ Association
A big thank you to all those who contributed to Holy Trinity National School Parents’ Association church gate collection last Sunday, your generosity is much appreciated during these difficult times. To borrow a catch-phase – ‘Every little helps’.

Our AGM is being held in the school on Wednesday, October 3, at 7.15pm. All parents are encouraged to attend with a special invitation for parents of new children to the school. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the school, to help with ideas for the events and to meet other parents. Hope to see you there.

Tipperary Harvest Food Festival in Clerihan

Sisters Emily and Eve O'Meara from Fethard photographed at the Tipperary Harvest Food Festival


Photographed at the Tipperary Harvest Food Festival in Clerihan are members of the South Tipperary Beekeepers Association.L to R: Anne Horan, David O'Meara, P.J. Fegan and Denis Ryan.


L to R: Myra. Nicole and James from Fethard photographed with a pet snake at the Tipperary Harvest Food Festival


Photographed at the presentation of the Clerihan Community Shield for Under-8 teams at the Harvest Food Festival are Back L to R: Paddy Cooney (sponsor of medals and shields), Johnny 'B' (O`Brien) who presented the medals, Fr. Ailbe O Bric (Clerihan). Front L to R: Christian Flannery, captain of the winning team 'Clerihan Warriers', and Issac McCarthy, captain of the runners-up 'Slievenamon Hilbillies'.


Photographed at the Clonmel GIY stand at the Tipperary Harvest Food Festival in Clerihan are Mike O'Brien and Lucy Moore


Jim Trehy, Fethard, demonstrating traditional butter making techniques at the Tipperary Harvest Food Festival in Clerihan

Fethard ICA
Fethard ICA will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, October 9, at 8.15pm in the ICA Hall at Rocklow Road. Bernie Maher from ‘Better by Nature’ in Clonmel will be our guest speaker for the evening. Hostesses will be the ‘Blue Group’.

Fethard and District Open Coursing Club
Fethard and District Open Coursing Club will hold their AGM in Fethard Ballroom at 8pm on Wednesday, October 10. New members are welcome to come along.

Zumba Dancing at Fethard Youth Centre
Classes in Zumba Dancing will commence in Fethard Youth Centre on Tuesday, October 9, at 8.30pm. Classes are for men and women aged 15 and over and cost €7 pay as you go. So now is the time to ‘Ditch the workout – Join the Party!’ Contact Carla Costigan Blake on 087 9360516 for further details.

Club reports for Emigrant’s Newsletter!
This year’s Emigrant’s Newsletter is now underway and we remind all club secretaries to send in their annual reports as soon as possible. We also invite submissions of articles and photographs for inclusion in this year’s edition. The Newsletter covers all generations of emigrants and it would be nice to have articles covering all age groups. The item need not be long. It might recall a funny incident, a local character you remember, a particular event, school time or any other recollection that may surface. So please consider putting pen to paper, or voice to recorder, and submit an article for this year’s issue. Photographs, current or old, are also very welcome.

Donations to Emigrant's Newsletter
The annual church gate collection in aid of publishing and posting the newsletter to our emigrants free of charge every year will be held at the Halloween Bank Holiday Weekend, October 27 and 28. Donations can also be made online at www.fethard.com/donate/ All donations will be acknowledged in this year's Newsletter.

We ask for your continued support and also to send us any new addresses or change of addresses, which may be many in this period of high emigration. To join our mailing list or download past issues visit: www.emigrantsnewsletter.com

Articles or photographs can be submitted to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, or by email to newsletter@fethard.com

Fethard Ladies Football

Fethard's Minors began their championship campaign on Sunday, September 30. Pictured Back L to R: Evie O'Sullivan, Deirdre Dwyer, Annie Prout, Katie Butler, Aine Phelan, Aimee Pollard, Lucy Butler, Aobh O'Shea, Karen Hayes, Emma Walsh. Front L to R: Ciara Hayes, Molly O'Meara, Sadhbh Horan, Niamh Shanahan, Kate Davey and Laoise Stapleton. (Photos by Kieran Butler)

The Minor team got their championship campaign off to a start on Sunday, September 30, against the team they played in last year's County Final. Ardfinnan came into this match in great form, having won both of their opening games. But the Fethard girls make the better start with first-half goals from Aimee Pollard (1-0), Karen Hayes (2-0), and Aine Phelan (2-0), while Ardfinnan scored 2-4. All of Fethard's opening goals were the result of great support play from Kate Davey, Annie Prout, Evie O'Sullivan and Molly O'Meara. In the second half, Fethard extended their lead with a point from Lucy Butler, and further scores from Aimee Pollard (0-2) and Aine Phelan (1-1). However, Ardfinnan kept up the pressure on Fethard's defence. Despite great work from Sadhbh Horan, Ciara Tillyer, Emma Walsh and Niamh Shanahan, Ardfinnan put 3-3 on the scoreboard, to leave the game drawn at 6-4 to 5-7. A fair result, most would agree. Well done girls.


Fethard full-back Emma Walsh slips past Ardfinnan's Laura Nagle during the opening match of the Minor championship on Sunday, September 30.

Well done also to the Gaelic4Mothers who lined out for Fethard against a very strong St. Pats team on Saturday, September 29. Although it was a win for the Cloneen/Drangan side, the Fethard ladies really enjoyed the match. Finally, many thanks to everyone who supported the Club in the recent ‘Cash for Clobber’ fundraiser, especially all those who helped out on the day.


Did Willie O'Meara tell Anita Manton than he doesn't like Custard Creams? That just takes the biscuit... or two!

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The lucky numbers drawn on September 26 were: 7, 11, 23 and 26. There was no Jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Mike Burke, Redcity, Fethard.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also won €50 each: Edwina Newport, Old Chapel Lane, Fethard; Dermot O'Meara, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; and Philly Kenny, Hillview, Fethard.

The next Lotto draw will take place on October 3. The Jackpot prize is €4,750 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €475. Lotto tickets can be purchased in local shops or online at www.fethard.com. Buy seven weekly tickets online and get one free! Check on the Fethard website for lots of special offers. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Patrician / Presentation Jottings
Welcome back
It is now five weeks since the beginning of the 2012-2013 School Year and indeed time to welcome back all our pupils particularly our new First Years. We wish them well as they embark on their journey through Secondary School. Our Mission is to encourage all pupils to reach their potential in a caring and Christian environment. Welcome also to our new staff members, P.E and Geography teacher, Ms Susan O’Brian and Irish teacher Ms Megan Raggett.

Congratulations
Well done to all last year’s Leaving Cert and Junior Cert students on their solid results. Many of last year’s Leaving Cert students have already started courses in Third Level Institutions and we wish them well on their chosen career paths.

Sad Farewell
Present and former Teachers attended a dinner on Friday last to mark the departure of Ms  Bernie O’Connor from our school. P.E teacher Ms O’Connor contributed greatly to our school over the last 25 years and will be remembered in particular for her promotion of volleyball in the school. She takes up a post in the Autistic Unit of Castlecomer Community School and is wished well in her new career.

Higher Options
TY, 5th Year and 6th Year Pupils attended the Higher Options Career Exhibition in the RDS on Friday, September 21. They were accompanied by Ms Whelan, Mr Leonard and Mr McGree.

Art Exhibition
Congratulations to our Art teacher, Ms Patricia Looby on her highly acclaimed exhibition, ‘Between a Thimble and a Nail’, which opened in the Triskel Christchurch Gallery Cork on Thursday, August 9. The exhibition is mixed media, combining found objects with intricately hand-beaded fine fabrics. A group of pupils from the school visited the exhibition in Cork on Tuesday, September 25.

Evening Study and Homework Club
Both evening study and the homework club are up and running for the new school year. They operate Monday-Thursday and are supervised by Staff Members.

Awards Day
Preparations are in full swing for the annual Awards Ceremony which will be held in the school on Friday, October 12. The Awards Ceremony will be held in conjunction with a Mass to ask God’s Blessing on the 2012-2013 School Year.

Cyberbullying Seminar
A seminar on Cyberbullying will be held in the school on Monday, October 22. It will be facilitated by Mr Pat Courtney and by Garda Sergeant John Burke. All parents from the area are invited to attend this seminar. Be informed. Know what social media sites your children view and learn what you as parents can do to counteract the effects of these sites. Mr Courtney is the Anti-Bullying Co-ordinator in the Department of Education SPHE support service and has much expertise in the area of cyberbullying.

Willowbrook Lodge 'Purple Day'

Residents, families and staff at Willowbrook Lodge Nursing Home participated in a ‘purple day’ tea party, ‘Solidarity through the Generations’, in aid of Crumlin Children's Hospital as part of Positive Ageing Week. Photographed at the ‘purple day’ tea party are staff members L to R: Sona Wilfred, Grace Ryan, Noelle Killeen (Manager), and Andrea Matisz.

Fethard & District Rugby Club

Fethard U15s
On Sunday last Fethard U15s played Waterpark away in the first round of the league. It was far from ideal conditions with a very strong wind blowing down the pitch with heavy rain. Whilst the scoreline was high on Fethard’s side it was not a one-sided affair. Fethard took a lot of pressure from the hosts for long periods of time. It was great defensive play from Michael Gaynor, Josef O'Connor and Connie Coen that kept Fethard in the game. The team played well with a good mix of players a lot of U13s from last year stepped up to the plate like Jack Kealy, Aaron Smullen, Andrew O'Connell, Ned Grogan, Lorcan Ivors and Ross McCormack. While this was a good performance, there is still room for improvement in certain areas of play.

Final score was Fethard 36, Waterpark 0. Looking forward to seeing all at training on Friday, new players always welcome.

Fethard U18 Ladies
Fethard U18 girls played a rugby seven-a-side tournament in Thurles last Saturday. In their first game they played Thurles and then Mallow in the second game.

The team played really well together showing fine tackling from Aisling Kelly, Kora Delaney, Niamh Holohan and O'Shea and resulting in a try and conversion by Aine Phelan. Fine rucking and passing in both games was evident from both Aoife Delaney and Molly O'Dwyer.

New girls are always welcome as well as former players. There are more tournaments coming up and dates for your diary girls are October 13 in Carrick, November 3 in Thurles and November 17 in Shannon. Training continues on Friday evenings at the Community Field from 8pm to 9pm.

Our huge thanks to Brian and his team in Thurles for organising such a wonderful event and also a special thanks to the Thurles ladies who looked after us so well with fine food and refreshments.

Fashion Show
Our Fashion Show is fast approaching with Thursday, October 4 almost here. We are very pleased with how well ticket sales are going. If you haven’t got your tickets please feel free to contact any of the following Theresa 086 0757836, Mary 0861688158, Deirdre 086 3821474, Marisa 087 0554346, Ronnie 087 2557600, Margaret 087 2520751 or Polly 086 3394959. Looking forward to a good night out.

Ryder Cup success

Robert McCormack sent us this photograph taken at the Ryder Cup in Chicago where he and his father, John Joe McCormack, formerly from The Green, had the pleasure of seeing Europe retain the Ryder Cup. The photograph was taken on Saturday morning before matchplay in front of Medinah Country Club. John is delighted that Europe won. He had a great time and especially loved the closing ceremony.

Autumn Workshops
Autumn Workshops will take place at the Common Thread Café, Parnell Street, Clonmel, facilitated by Deirdre Brady, Reiki & Seichim Master (Tera Mai), starting on Saturday, September 29, from 3pm to 5pm. The theme is ‘Time for Me’ includes angel cards, breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, guided meditation and refreshments. €20 session.

On Saturday, October 6, from 2.30pm to 5 pm, the theme is ‘Making a Vision Board’ where you can have some fun creating your very own vision board and help to manifest your dreams. Starting with angel card and short meditation followed by some fun creating your own personal vision board. Cork boards, all materials and lots of pictures and inspiring words provided. Participants are asked to bring photos and personal items that they might like to use. Refreshments provided. €50 session.

Saturday, October 20, from 10am to 5 pm: Reiki 1 initiation and workshop which is a full day Introduction to Reiki 1 (Tera Mai). AM: angel cards and guided meditation followed by initiation. Break for lunch from 1pm to 2pm (bring your own). PM: theory and Reiki practice. Refreshments, manual and Reiki 1 certificate provided. €100 session.

For more info and to register for any of the above, please contact me on 086 6006283 (052) 6132277 or email deebrady7@gmail.com

Cloneen Sports & Social Club
Cloneen Sports & Social Club membership application forms are now available for download at www.cloneenhall.com. Details for submission of forms are included on the application form. Join now!

Children’s six-week acting course at Fethard Youth Centre
The Fionn MacCumhaill Players will shortly be starting a six-week course for children with a view to preparing them for an upcoming show earlier next year. Anyone genuinely interested in drama and stage should contact 086 0834208 for details. The course is aimed at 10 to 14 year-olds (boys and girls) and will prepare children for acting singing and stage presence. Places for this course are limited so early booking is advisable. The course will cost €50 for the six-weeks and payment is in advance. It is hoped to start this course on Friday, October 5, in the Youth Centre Fethard. The course will also run in Cloneen on Tuesdays.

The Players are also planning a couple of one act plays around about Christmas time to be staged in Cloneen Hall – two very funny one-acts to cheer you all up in these gloomy times. Watch out for further details!

Killenaule Festival raise over €4,000 for ‘Tipp to Kenya’ charity
On behalf of the Tipp to Kenya charity we would like to thank everybody that helped on the day and in any other way connected to organising the Killenaule festival on September 15 and 16. We would like to thank our sponsor’s contributions and everybody that supported all the different events. Together they made our day a great success.

We are delighted to inform all that €8,056 was raised over the two-day event. Our costs in organising the event came to €3,860. So the total profit made was a staggering €4,196. We were delighted with this result and hope that it will be even a better success next year.

Items for Fethard News and Website
Items for inclusion on the weekly Fethard News page on The Nationalist can be emailed before noon on Mondays to news@fethard.com or delivered by hand to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard.

Reunion Booklet last few left!
The Green and Barrack Street Reunion took place on Saturday, August 18, where approximately 200 people mingled and reminisced about times past in The Green and Barrack Street.

The commemorative sixty-page booklet of photographs and articles published in conjunction with the event was very well received and is still in demand.